It’s 1 January. The air is cold, the water even colder, and hundreds of people in orange beanies are lined up along the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen. At 12:00 sharp we run into the water together and welcome the new year with a fresh dip.
The New Year’s Dive is more than a jump into cold water. You do it together with friends, family, neighbours and lots of other people from Arnhem. A bit of shivering, a lot of laughing, and then a warm bowl of pea soup.
A memorable start
Why join? Because you start the year with something to be proud of. You step out of your comfort zone for a moment, you feel fantastic afterwards, and you’ve got a great story for the rest of the day.
Together for a good cause in Arnhem
Part of the proceeds goes to a local good cause in Arnhem. We’ll announce which one soon.
Our sponsors
Would you like to become a SPONSOR too? Email info@nieuwjaarsduikarnhem.nl
What are you waiting for?
Practical information
Taking part costs €5 per person. Pay on the day at the registration desk, or in advance using the sign-up form.
The registration desk opens at 11:00. Bring plenty of warm clothes for after the dive.
Location: Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, event site on the Rijkerswoerdsestraat, Elst. Free parking at Restaurant De Woerd.
At 12:00 we go into the water, at the same moment as all New Year’s dives in the Netherlands. So be on time.
What we offer
On site you can buy food and drinks with coins. A coin costs €2; get them at the registration desk.
We also serve low-alcohol drinks. Bring your ID: if we’re not sure about your age, we’ll ask.
There are toilets, changing tents and places to warm up.
What’s included?
For €5 you get a Unox beanie, a certificate, a cup of pea soup and 1 coin.
Want a souvenir? The New Year’s Dive Arnhem scarf costs €3 and you can order it right away when you sign up online. The scarves are largely sponsored by Liroma Roodlichttherapie.
Costume contest
Diving in costume? Then you could win the Golden Deer, a free dive in 2028 for your whole group and more. Read all about the costume contest
Safety
Cold water is exciting, and accidents happen quickly. Look out for each other and respect each other’s limits.
First aid by the Red Cross and the Arnhem lifeguards (Arnhemse Reddingsbrigade), with a boat and lifeguards on the shore, keep an eye on your safety. Only go into the water at the start signal and come out at the end signal. Always follow the instructions of the organisers and the lifeguards.
Dive into the photos
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to take part?
€5 per person. For that you get a Unox beanie, a certificate, a warm cup of pea soup after the dive and 1 coin for a drink or snack. Extra coins cost €2.
What time should I be there, and when does the dive start?
The registration desk and the bar open at 11:00. Not signed up online? Then come around 11:00 so we can register you. Signed up online? Then report by 11:30 at the latest, so we’re all ready at 11:55. At 12:00 we dive, just like the rest of the Netherlands.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
No, you don’t have to. But it’s handy: your place is guaranteed and you’re ready faster on the day.
Can I sign up several people at once?
Yes. In the form you fill in how many people are coming, and you pay for everyone in one go.
Where can I change?
There are separate changing tents on site. You can also arrive already changed. Dressing up or dressing festively is very welcome.
Where can I park?
For free in the car park on the Rijkerswoerdsestraat, at the foot of the event site, next to Restaurant De Woerd.
Where does my entry fee go?
The entry fee covers the costs: soup, beanies, materials, permits, first aid and lifeguards. Part of the proceeds goes to a local good cause in Arnhem. We’ll announce which one soon.
Does the dive go ahead in bad weather?
Safety comes first: if in doubt, we don’t dive. On 31 December at 18:00 we announce a provisional decision on this site and on Facebook. On 1 January at 11:30 we make the final decision on the beach, together with the lifeguards. With ice on the lake, thunderstorms or a KNMI code orange weather warning, the dive is cancelled.
How can my business contribute?
Great! You can sponsor with money, materials or services, and we’ll make sure it pays off for you too. Email info@nieuwjaarsduikarnhem.nl or call 06 20404154.
My question isn't listed. What now?
Email info@nieuwjaarsduikarnhem.nl, we’re happy to help.
I paid but didn't get a confirmation. What now?
First check your spam or junk folder. Nothing there? Email info@nieuwjaarsduikarnhem.nl with your name and the email address you used to sign up, and we’ll sort it out.
How do you keep me safe?
You dive at your own risk, but if something goes wrong we’re there straight away. The Red Cross provides first aid, the Arnhem lifeguards are ready with a boat and lifeguards on the shore, and our volunteers wear a vest with our logo.